Your Dentist in Flagstaff Answers Common Questions on Dental Implants
If you’ve had a gap in your smile for a long time, you’re probably aware of the toll it can take on your self-confidence. You might not smile as much for fear of people noticing your gap. Maybe you’ve had trouble eating certain foods and therefore opt out of dinner dates with friends. It’s those instances that convinced you to start shopping around for tooth-replacement options.
If you don’t know much about dental implants, it’s typical to have a lot of questions. That’s why your dentist in Flagstaff is here to provide you answers to some of the most common questions they hear.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts designed to be placed and eventually infused inside the jaw bone. After placement, an abutment or screw is placed inside the implant and then a temporary crown is placed on top while the implant integrates with the bone. After this process is complete, the patient comes back to the office and has their temporary crown replaced with a permanent one.
Are Dental Implants in Flagstaff the Best Option for Tooth-Replacement?
One of the biggest differences between dental implants and other tooth-replacement options is there effectiveness at stimulating bone and rejuvenating the surrounding gums. Think of dental implants as a prosthetic for your tooth roots. Your tooth roots are responsible for letting blood flow to your tooth and gums. So not only do you get the best-looking replacement tooth, but the most functional one as well.
Additionally, dental implants are seen as the most cost-effective solution to tooth-replacement because of their longevity. Dental implants can last a lifetime if properly taken care of. And since the crowns are made of inorganic material, bacteria cannot create cavities in them. This makes them easier to care for than natural teeth.
How Long is the Implantation Process?
The implantation treatment time varies depending on the patient. After you have your dental implant consultation with your dentist in Flagstaff, you’ll have a treatment plan with an estimated time of completion. To provide this, the dentist will ask questions about your restorative needs, medical and dental history, condition of your jawbone, and adjust their technique and materials used from there.
The process can be as short as a few months to more than a year depending on the complexity of your case. Through multiple appointments, the dentist will observe the integration of the implant to ensure it is sturdy and that it fits and functions like a natural tooth.
Are There Risks Behind Dental Implants?
Dental implants have been proven safe and effective for decades. Surgical procedures are predictable and the success rate for implantation is usually between 95 and 98 percent. While the odds are strongly in your favor, complications can occur and are more likely if you have a medical condition or smoke regularly. Some risks include:
- Infection
- Damage to other teeth/roots
- Sinus problems
- Fractures
- Nerve damage
- Numbness or tingling
- Implant failure
The more experienced your dentist is and the better you take care of your implant during the healing process, the less likely you’ll run into these issues. To learn more about your eligibility, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Flagstaff today!
Posted by
kelli
on Jan 7th, 2018
11:20 am
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